Research Associate in Soft Robotics and MachineLearning (KK12496) - Bath, BA2 7AYAbout the roleApplications areinvited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to take a keyrole in the development of a new analytical framework fordeveloping dexterous soft robotic manipulators. The role is fundedby ARIA (Advanced Research and Invention Agency). The successfulapplicant will be based at the University of Bath.The emergingtechnology of soft robotics exploits flexible and compliantmaterials for their design. They are able to translate fundamentalbiological principles into new engineering design rules or combinelife-like components into a synthetic structure to create roboticsystems that perform very much like a natural system. Soft roboticsystems provide a route to increase body flexibility, improvedexterous handling in unstructured environments, enableadaptability of wearable and medical devices, and saferhuman-machine interaction. Machine Learning (ML) is an emergingtechnology with significant potential in integrating and embodyingsoft robotics technologies, but it is in its infancy in this area.This high-risk, high-gain project will provide a step-change andlead to advances at the frontiers of knowledge in soft robotics bycreating a new analytical modelling framework which involves newmodel- and learning-based approaches and their integration to allowmodelling, prediction, control and understanding of soft roboticmanipulators. The new framework will address and overcome“frustrating unpredictability”, “surprising results”,“ineffectiveness and inaccuracy”, and “unreliability” of the softmanipulators during motion, as well as “a lack of understanding andtools” challenge during research on soft robotics.The PDRA will beresponsible for delivering high-quality research on the topic,including:Design and development of soft manipulators.Developmentof a multimodal sensing system and the learning-basedmodels of soft manipulators.Model assessment andevaluation.Creation of an analytical modelling framework to enablean understanding and the development of dexterous soft roboticmanipulators This role will suit you if you:Hold a PhD degreein a subject area of direct relevance for the project.Have previousexperience in one or more of the following: modelling, design,control or prototyping of soft robots and systems.Haveexcellent analytical, problem-solving, and project managementskills.Are self-motivated and have excellent communicationskills.You will be responsible for planning and performing your ownresearch activities. You will be expected to take an active role insupporting PhD and undergraduate research students within thelaboratory. You should have excellent interpersonal andcommunication skills to work as part of a team and discuss yourwork with a range of audiences.Further informationThis is afull-time, fixed term role for a period of 24 months.For aninformal discussion about this role please contact Professor MinPan ()Please ensure you submit your application viaour website. Please note that during initial shortlisting, thepanel can only see your application form and your answers to theshortlisting questions; they cannot see your attachments (e.g. yourCV).A lower grade offer may be made (Grade 6) with comparablereduction in responsibilities and amendment in job title toResearch Assistant, if a suitable applicant cannot be found to fillthe Grade 7 position. Applicants will need to be within six monthsof their course completion date and will be promoted to ResearchAssociate once their PhD has been awarded.What we can offer youWeconsider ourselves to be a university where difference iscelebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellentinternational reputation with staff from over 60 different nationsand have made a positive commitment towards gender equality andintersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We trulybelieve that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgroundswill lead to a better environment for our employees and students,so we encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, andcommunities, particularly from under-represented groups, and valuethe positive impact that will have on the university. We arecommitted to maintaining a safe and secure environment for ourstudents, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitmentcommitment.We are very proud to be an autism friendly universityand are an accredited Disability Confident Leader; committed tobuilding disability confidence and supporting disabled staff.Freecounselling services through Health AssuredCycle to workschemeElectric vehicle salary sacrifice schemeStaff discount atTeam Bath gymStaff discounts on postgraduate tuition feesStaffdiscount on language coursesGenerous employer contributory pensionschemesGenerous annual leave allowance with an additional 5discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work lifebalanceA wide range of personal and professional developmentopportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning andmoreFree entry to the Holburne Museum in BathLocal discounts andmoreA family-friendly workplace An excellent reward packagethat recognises the talents of our diverse workforceRelocationallowanceVisa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with thecost of some immigration expensesWe are committed to continuallyexpanding our benefits to better support you and enhance yourexperience with us. Find out more about our benefits.Find out fromour staff what makes the University of Bath a great place to work.Follow us @UniofBath and @UniofBathJobs on X for moreinformation. Closing Date: 31 Mar 2025 Department: Education& Research Salary: £38,249 to £45,413
